A53704:644
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schism / by John Owen.An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schisme / by John Owen.
London: printed by J. Richardson for Nath. Ponder, 1681
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The two first of these belong not at all unto the present Argument, and the last is but faintly proposed and pursued, though it be the Foundation of his whole Fabric. The Reader, if he will put himself to so much trouble, as to compare my former Discourse with what is here offered in Answer or Opposition unto it, he will easily see that nothing is pleaded, that may abate the force of what was insisted on; For indeed the Discourse on these things consists for the most part in Diversions from the Argument in hand, whereby an Appearance is made of various Arguings, and the Proof of sundry things, which belong not unto the Case in hand.
The two first of these belong not at all unto the present Argument, and the last is but faintly proposed and pursued, though it be the Foundation of his whole Fabrick. The Reader, if he will put himself to so much trouble, as to compare my former Discourse with what is here offered in Answer or Opposition unto it, he will easily see that nothing is pleaded, that may abate the force of what was insisted on; For indeed the Discourse on these things consists for the most part in Diversions from the Argument in hand, whereby an Appearance is made of various Arguings, and the Proof of sundry things, which belong not unto the Case in hand.
Without any long Deductions, artificial Insinuations, or diverting Reasonings, without wresting the Text or Context, these things are plain and evident in them;
(1.) A Supposition of Differences among Believers, in and about Opinions and Practises, relating unto Religion and the Worship of God. So is at present between ⟨p. 256⟩us and those of the Church of England by whom we are opposed.